- The Union Government, led by the incumbent Prime Minister, never misses an opportunity to highlight how the present dispensation at the Centre has contributed immensely in bridging the yawning gap between the Northeastern states and the mainstream, read as Delhi. To the credit of the Union Government, several initiatives/measures for the betterment of the hitherto neglected region of the country have been in place. The Northeastern states are receiving greater attention in terms of governance, funding, resources, and investment needs, which require no further elaboration. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the people are experiencing palpable changes, ushering in large-scale comfort as regards dignified existence deserves deliberation.
PC: BBC
- Unfortunately, the answer must be negative. How else would one explain the continuous stream of Northeasterners flocking to several metro cities and tier 2 and 3 cities in the country? The hospitality, security, and utilities are mostly serviced by youngsters from the Northeast. And then there are the continuing disturbances in Manipur that simply refuse to subside despite humongous attempts to defuse the situation, with violence continuing unabated. Most disturbingly, as reported in newspapers, a Manipuri woman whose case had become emblematic of sexual violence during the 2023 ethnic strife in the state, passed away, without a single perpetrator identified. Imphal and New Delhi failed here miserably. Why?
PC: The Dialogue Box
- Undoubtedly, that failure is at the heart of why peace is so elusive in the state. For those in the dark, she was 18 when abducted by members of an armed group and brutalized. She escaped and registered an FIR at the Kangpokpi police station on 21st July 2023. Over the next 30 months, she petitioned everyone in authority, but in vain. On Sunday, she succumbed to her injuries suffered during the brutal crime. To say this is outrageous doesn’t even begin to describe the failure of basic duty by the Manipur police. If this callousness and lawlessness don’t evoke strong emotions with blood boiling over such an unfortunate occurrence, what else will? Are we really a conscientious, humane, harmonious, and enterprising society? Not at all. Sad situation, indeed.
PC: Hindustan Times
- Note that Manipur’s ethnic violence saw population displacement, abductions, killings, and gender-based violence across communities. People in both the Imphal valley and the hills suffered. Yet, the 2023 NCRB data for crimes against women in Manipur seemingly downplays this, registering just 201 cases, compared to 248 in the previous year. Healing the ethnic divide requires ensuring justice for each of these crimes, both reported and unreported. Let’s remember that rape is a well-documented weapon of violence and subjugation in times of civil strife and war. Given the patriarchal social structure, women are most vulnerable. Therefore, it is doubly incumbent on authorities to ensure justice and punish those who target women. The authorities should act.
